Sibling Love and the Joy of Being a Parent

Having a boy and a girl is perfect for a small family.  Our children always wish that they have more siblings but  for me, two is  enough.  Even my husband   wishes we have more lol.  Having children is a blessing and a joy.  You get to experience the wonderful feeling  of being a parent and it makes you stronger everyday.  

Parenting is an everyday learning experience in my opinion.  There is no book that can define or tell you how to properly raise your child.  Every child is different  so you could never rely on someone else expertise as it might not be applicable or would not work with your children.  As I mentioned, it is an everyday learning experience.  

 My kids taught me so many things that I never thought I could do.  It can be hard sometimes but that is a part of learning and growing.  

 I am fortunate enough to stay home and take care of  my kids.  I was once a workaholic person that  works in an office  from Monday to Saturday.  I thought I would grow old doing the same thing everyday until I met my husband and became a Mom to these two beautiful and loving kids.  I gave up my career  and  took a role of much important  career at home, being a Mom.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.

 These two  have  a sweet and sour kind of relationship.  One day they are very sweet to each  other and   other days they're not.  I guess, that is just normal for siblings.  I remember my older brother and I always  bicker growing up but there's no doubt that we  love and support and each other.

 I may never give them everything or  be able to afford this fishman triple play from MF but I can truly assure them of my love.  I am blessed to have a husband who  loves  us and supports us  with everything.  For that I am grateful to God everyday.

I couldn't agree more of how parenting was said by  James E. Faust "To be a good father and mother requires that the parents defer many of their own needs and desires in favor of the needs of their children. As a consequence of this sacrifice, conscientious parents develop a nobility of character and learn to put into practice the selfless truths taught by the Savior Himself. "

Parents as Tutors

When parents  acts as  their children's tutors, it's a great advantage  because the kids learn things from home that they  can use when they go to school.  My daughter came home very excited today, she told me that er Science  teacher gave her  an extra sticker for knowing an answer to the question that they haven't discussed yet.   She said when the teacher asked what is the molecule that absorbs sunlight and uses its energy to senthesise carbohydrates from carbon dioxide  and water, she  knows that it  was chlorophyll.  My husband love Science so  he teaches   our kids  of the things that he learned from school.   

That is an advantage  that stay at home moms like me  has for  the kids.  When my kids arrive from school, I make sure that  they do their homework first before anything else.  You can really monitor what needs to be done and do it on time.  Not all parents can stay home so  the  existence of private tutors for every different aspect that children needs is vital in helping their  growth in learning.  There are  VarsityTutors for those who are aspiring to become a varsity member of the school and there are many other tutors that you can hire depending on what  help you need.  

One thing for sure, parents as tutors of their own children, is always a great advantage!

Goofing Off

 I tried  getting a good picture of my two Burritos but the Mister  just kept goofing off lol.

The little Miss is always willing to pose but the Mister  isn't.

On the other note, I watched the kick off  premier of the Dancing with the Stars last night and Kirstie Alley took the host, Tom Bergeron, by surprised with a kiss.  Hmmmmn, that makes me curious, was it a strategy?  Who knows, lol.

Help Your Kids Settle In School

School can be difficult for many kids. It’s not just about going into an unfamiliar setting (for first-timers) it’s also about finding who they are against the backdrop of stronger and more pushy personalities. School is not just about the challenges of learning new things and mastering new skills, it’s about getting used to a different routine and abiding by a different set of laws. School can be challenging for kids because they view it as a separation from the people who love them and support them unconditionally.

This is why it behoves the parent to prepare children for school. First time school goers need more preparation, naturally. However, even kids who’ve been to school before need some assurance after being away for so long. Here are some ways we can make sure our new school goers are getting the best from school and developing as they should be.

Allow them to express their fears and concerns

You won’t know what your kids are thinking about school unless you ask them. Children bear all sorts of unfounded fears and anxieties – ones you will never imagine even if you try to. This is why it’s important to ask them about what they’re thinking. If they’re worried or concerned about something and can’t express it, have them draw their feelings on a piece of paper. Use this paper as a spring board for a discussion. Allay their fears and talk about all aspects of what they’re imagining. Ask them what will happen if… Explain what can and can’t happen in a school scenario. Encourage them to ask you questions about your school days and tell them happy stories about your childhood and the days you spent in school.

Act out a school day

If you think your kids are anxious when they arrive home from school, a good way to find out why this is so is to act out the school day. If they’re anxious before even setting foot in school, act out an ‘imaginary’ day at school. Get the members of your family together. Have your child be the teacher. You be him or her and sit at a ‘desk’. Have someone else be a friend, and ask another person to be the big boy/girl in the class. This way you have a teacher, your kid, a child your son/daughter may see as a threat, and a classroom.

Your child (the teacher) has the power to guide the workings of the make-belief class. This will show you all you need to know and will definitely reveal to you, why your child is anxious. He/she has to tell everyone how to behave. Any shouting or telling off that occurs should give you an indication of what may be happening in his/her life at school. This will give you an opportunity to address and nip it in the bud.

Give your kids the best start to each day

Your kids need complete rest each night before a school day. This makes them restful, less anxious, less tired and less inclined to misbehave and get into trouble. A child that gets into trouble loses confidence in himself/herself.

Hug your child and tell him/her you love them in the morning when they leave for school. This boosts their confidence for the entire day and gives them some ammunition to face the day’s joys and hardships.

Give your child a healthy breakfast. Sugary foods and acidic drinks only make them agitated and less able to concentrate.

What other ways do you help your kids settle in school?

Anne Lyken-Garner, the writer of this post is the author of the inspiring book, ‘How to Raise Kids To Be Responsible Adults’ and writes about building confidence at her blog, ‘How To Build Confidence’.